ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Smart Phones to Anganwadi Workers
Under POSHAN Abhiyaan, Aanganwadi workers  have been technologically empowered with the provision of smartphones procured through Government e-Market  for efficient service delivery. A total of 11.03 lakhs Smartphones have been procured by 33 States/UTs which includes the state of Andhra Pradesh.
The mobile application of POSHAN Abhiyaan digitizes and automates physical registers used by Aanganwadi workers. This saves the time of AWWs and AWHs, and improves the quality of their work while simultaneously allowing them real-time monitoring.
Under POSHAN Abhiyaan, the budgetary allocation is for the programme components like ICT Application, Convergence, Community Mobilization, Behavioural Change & Jan Andolan, Capacity Building, Incentives and Awards, and Innovations. As on 31st March 2021, Rs. 5,31,279.08 lakhs have been released to all 36 States/UTs under POSHAN Abhiyaan. The State/UT wise fund released details including for the state of Andhra Pradesh is at Annexure-I.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
KVIC Installs Bee-Boxes at SPG campus in Dwarka
KVIC Bee Boxes Generate 11,000 New Jobs,Honey Worth Rs 4 Crore in Last Year and a Half
The Special Protection Group  has installed bee-boxes with live bee-colonies provided by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission  in its headquarter premises at Dwarka here yesterday. The advice for this was given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his recent visit to the SPG Headquarters. Besides production of honey, this will also promote growth of flora in and around the campus since bees bring about cross-pollination.
The SPG officials had recently contacted the KVIC officials for guidance and training to set up an apiary in their campus. According to KVIC Chairman Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, three SPG gardeners were provided practical training for examination of honeybee colonies, acquaintance with apicultural equipments, identification and management of bee enemies and diseases, honey extraction and wax purification and management of bee colonies in spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter seasons in KVIC's training centre. The bee-boxes were then installed in presence of the SPG officials.
Shri Saxena, said that KVIC has distributed over 1.10 lakh bee-boxes across India in last one and half years. This has created over 11,000 new jobs for the farmers, unemployed youths and tribal people; 430 metric tonnes of honey worth Rs 4 crore has been extracted through these bee-boxes only.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Update on COVID-19 Vaccine Availability in States/UTs
More than 193.53 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 11.81 Crore balance and unutilized vaccine doses still available with States/UTs
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on 16th January 2021. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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1,93,53,58,865
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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11,81,81,970
More than 193.53 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India  and through direct state procurement category.
More than 11.81 Cr  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President celebrates Holi with school children at his residence
Work for the protection of unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country – Vice President to students
Sardar Patel is my inspiration, source of my strong will power – Shri Naidu
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today celebrated Holi with school children and Secretariat staff at Upa-Rashtrapati Nivas today. Children from four Delhi schools, including those run by MCD, visited the Vice President’s residence and greeted him on the occasion of Holi. The Vice President was delighted when the enthusiastic children recited patriotic poems.
In reply to a question from a student whether he ever gets demotivated, Shri Naidu said, “No, I don’t get demotivated, but sometimes, I get disillusioned when some parliamentarians do not behave upto standards in the House.” He also said that Sardar Patel is the source of inspiration for his strong will power.
To another question on how the Vice President balances his official duties and family responsibilities, Shri Naidu said, “During my active political career, I could not do justice to the family but after becoming the Vice President, now I do try to spend time with my family.” He further added that “As the Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, I have constitutional duties and obligations to perform, but I always make it a point to talk to my granddaughter and grandson.”
The Vice President advised the youngsters to always love and respect their mother, motherland and mother-tongue. “Live and work for the protection of unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country,” he told them. Highlighting our age-old civilizational values of ‘share and care’, Shri Naidu urged the students to develop a compassionate attitude.
Earlier in the day, the President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind and the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu exchanged Holi greetings over phone. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also wrote to the Vice President conveying his good wishes and greetings on the auspicious occasion of Holi.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles demise of Eswatini Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the demise of Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Eswatini.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, "My deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Kingdom of Eswatini for the tragic demise of Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. Our prayers and thoughts are with the bereaved family."
Vice President's Secretariat
India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development: Vice President
Calls on the King of Bhutan
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and to support in its XII Five Year Plan. He was interacting with the King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, here today. Senior officials from both India and Bhutan were present on the occasion.
The Vice President said that India and Bhutan share exemplary bilateral relations and these are unique and special. He further said that our historical and cultural linkages make us natural friends and partners. He thanked the King for his warm letter of felicitation on his assumption of responsibilities as the Vice President of India earlier this year.
The Vice President said that India is delighted to see the rapid progress which has been made in Bhutan while simultaneously preserving its very special culture as well as protecting the environment. He further said that the Government and people of India appreciate the vision of the Druk Gyalpos , which has guided relations between our two countries. With the wisdom and foresight of the Monarchs of Bhutan and Indian leadership, India-Bhutan relations have grown from strength to strength, he added.
The Vice President said that India has been happy to share its knowledge, experience and resources with Bhutan and thus contribute to Bhutan’s socio-economic development. He further said that our development cooperation has been guided by the priorities set by the Government and people of Bhutan. India is committed to partner Bhutan in its socio-economic development, and to support in its XII Five Year Plan, he added.
The Vice President said that India remains committed to consolidate existing hydro-power cooperation with Bhutan. Timely implementation of the ongoing hydro-power projects with minimum cost overrun, is important for both governments. This is the flagship area of our bilateral cooperation and has high visibility. We should do everything to make it a model of bilateral cooperation, which will be noted by others in the neighbourhood.
The Vice President said that the security concerns of India and Bhutan are indivisible, intertwined and mutual. We look forward to continuing close cooperation with Bhutan on issues of mutual security concern, he added.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Civil servants who are good in sports should be brought into sports administration: Hockey Olympian Dr. MP Ganesh
To earn and wear the India Blazer, was my greatest accolade: Ace cricketer Anjum Chopra
With the Tokyo Olympics around the corner and the country already in the ‘sports mode’, the Press Information Bureau  and Regional Outreach, Bureau  Chandigarh, today, organised a webinar on the topic “Women in Sports". Eminent international sportspersons Dr. MP Ganesh, Olympian & former captain of Indian men's hockey team and Ms. Anjum Chopra, former captain, Indian women's cricket team were the guest speakers. Both the speakers are Padma Shree and Arjuna Awardees in their fields.
In her welcome address, Smt. Devpreet Singh, Additional Director General, PIB, Chandigarh lauded the stellar achievements of women sportspersons who have made the country proud by overcoming various obstacles that line the way.
Dr. Mullera Poovayya Ganesh was also coach of the Indian team and awarded the Arjuna Award in 1973 and the Padma Shri in 2020. Ms. Anjum Chopra is a cricket analyst and the first woman sportscaster on television in India. She received the Arjuna Award in 2007 and the Padma Shri in 2014, for her accomplishments.
In a gripping conversation, answering a question from the audience, Ms. Anjum said, “Everyone needs encouragement, be it a male or a female member. However, the world is different for a man and a woman. Sports are generally associated with the male gender. It is our generation which will change this perception.”
When asked which role viz. of an ace cricketer, an actor or a commentator brought her the most happiness, she was quick to respond “To earn and put on the India Blazer, was my greatest accolade”.
Image: Guest Speakers Dr. MP Ganesh & Ms. Anjum Chopra during the webinar
In the engaging discussion on hockey, Dr. MP Ganesh said, "India needs to play its own game. India should have its own national coaches for players to form a constant long-term playing strategy. There is no dearth of talent in India." He also said that foreign coaches should only be called for short terms to resolve specific
He stressed that sports should be made a compulsory subject in the middle and high schools, as it will help India nurture a greater talent pool. When answering a question about involvement of sports persons in administration, Sh. MP Ganesh said, “Civil servants who are good in sports should be brought into sports administration and that too for long periods.”
Sh. Himanshu Pathak, Assistant Director, PIB Chandigarh moderated the session. The webinar was attended by students from various schools and colleges, coaches & trainee athletes from the regional centres of Sports Authority of India  and Ministry of Information & Broadcasting officials from the region.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Union Minister of Chemical & Fertilizers receives dividend receipt of Rs.12.51 Crore from FAGMIL
SIXTEENTH DIVIDEND by FCI Aravali Gypsum & Minerals India Limited

Union Minister of Chemical & FertilizersShriD.V.SadanandaGowda today received dividend receipt of Rs.12,51,00,000/-for FY 2019-20from Brigadier Amar Singh Rathore, CMD, FCI Aravali Gypsum & Minerals India Limited . Shri Rajesh Kumar Chaturvedi, Secretary  was also present during the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gowda said that FAGMIL has been consistently paying dividend to the Government of India since last few years. In span of 17 years the Company has paid a cumulative dividend Rs.101.34 Croresi.e. 1382% of the initial paid up capital of Rs.7.33 Crore.He appreciated the results and growth achieved by the Company and expressed hope that the Company will grow exponentially and generate higher dividends in coming years.
FAGMIL was incorporated on 14.02.2003 consequent upon hiving off Jodhpur Mining Organization ). It commenced operations w.e.f. 01.04.2003 with an authorized capital of Rs.10 Crore and paid up capital of Rs. 7.33 Crore. During the year 2017-18 Company issued Bonus share capital of Rs.22.67 Crore  resulting in paid up capital of the Company increasing to Rs.30.00 Crore.
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Mantri Inaugurates BEL representative office in Vietnam
Raksha Mantri, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the first Representative Office of Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited  in Hanoi, Vietnam today. Smt Sitharaman handed over the symbolic key of the Representative Office of BEL at Vietnam  to Chairman & Managing Director, BEL Shri Gowtama MV during the Vietnam-India Defence Industry Business Meeting in the presence of Ambassador of India to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Shri P Harish, Secretary , Dr. Ajay Kumar and other senior officials of India and Vietnam Defence forces .
BEL, India’s leading defence electronics company, is fast expanding its global presence, putting its best foot forward to give a thrust to exports worldwide, especially South East Asian countries such as the Republic of Union of Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Philippines. Spotting a niche market in Vietnam, BEL has now set up its first Representative Office at Vietnam for addressing export business opportunities and to provide unstinted product support and services to users in the region. The Representative Office will aim to promote BEL’s exports in areas such as Weapon Systems, Radar Systems, Naval Systems, Military Communication Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Combat Management System and Coastal Surveillance System.
NAo/Nampi
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Ministry of Power
NHPC Manipur organizes state level painting competition on energy conservation
Manipur Governor La Ganesan stresses judicious use of energy
NHPC Loktak Power Station, Manipur organized a state level painting competition on ‘Energy Conservation’ in Imphal’s City Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Organizing such a competition will not only help the children boost their self-confidence but also to create awareness on the importance of judicious use of the energy, Manipur Governor La Ganesan who attended the closing ceremony of the competition as chief guest said.
The Governor highlighted the importance of energy conservation and said that unless people make concerted efforts towards conservation of energy, it would be hard to achieve the goal of making the country self-sufficient in energy production.
Efforts are on to make India a self-sufficient energy production country, he said.
The Governor said that relentless efforts are being made to reduce power consumption by using solar power.
"If we are able to increase use of solar energy, naturally there would be a significant reduction in the import of oil from other countries," he said.
Towards this end, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the Ministry of Power, Government of India had already launched national awareness campaigns on energy conservation.
“This kind of initiative will better understand the subject and help in nurturing innovative ideas to make India an energy sufficient nation,” the Governor said.
India will also one day be able to supply energy to other countries, he said.
Later, the Governor distributed prizes to the winners in the painting competition.
Top three position holders of the competition held in two categories - Group A  and Group B  – will be participating in the nation level competition which will be held in New Delhi.
Additional director of Education  Alfred Khoute of Department of Education, government of Manipur and officials of the NHPC Loktak Power Station, Manipur were among others who attended the closing ceremony of the day-long event.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has been organizing painting competitions on energy conservation for school children with the objective of promoting energy conservation in young minds of the country.
The painting competition for students would not only make the students aware about the need of conserving energy but at the same time would sensitize and involve their parents as well in the above cause.
This may inculcate a habit in the minds of young children towards energy conservation which may bring behavioral change among them, according to the bureau.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Carpentry –way towards self – reliance-Initiative of NERCRMS - a registered society under the aegis of NEC- Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Mr. Mangminlun Singsit, a resident of Khochijang Village in Churachandpur District, had endured a lot of suffering to support his family. The family’s economic status was inseparable due to limited resources and access to basic services. Their lives were in jeopardy. However, he was fortunate to be a carpenter. He started working at a large carpentry workshop in town, earning a meagre amount of Rs. 300/-  only per day. With such an acute amount of money, he was unable to take care of his families’ basic needs.
He was chosen as a carpentry beneficiary in the year 2018-19 and received a financial support of Rs. 18000/-  under the NERCORM Phase-III Project of NERCRMS, NEC, Ministry of DoNER, GoI. Accordingly, he purchased the necessary equipment for carpentry activity. The regular income from the carpentry activity gave him the opportunity support his family and send his children to school for quality education.
“I am very grateful to the NaRMG for selecting me and will remain indebted to NERCORM Project for giving a ray of hope. I pray that the project continues its beautiful journey in our village.” - Mr. Mangminlun Singsit, Project Beneficiary, Churachandpur.
Later, he owned a modest carpentry shop and expanded his business, intending to become a well-known carpenter not only in the village, but throughout the town. With the support of NaRMG, now he has become a successful entrepreneur and also a Master Trainer. It is his sheer passion and commitment that makes him stands out from the crowd today.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Paddy Procurement crosses 700 LMT mark benefiting over 96 lakh farmers
MSP of about Rs. 1,45,845Crores paid to farmers
Paddy procurement for KMS 2022-23  is progressing smoothlywith purchase of over702LMT of paddy upto 20.02.2023.Over 96 Lakh farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement operations with MSP outflow of Rs. 1,45,845crores with transfer of payment directly into farmers’ account.
All arrangements are in place for hassle-free procurement operations.Rice delivery against the procured paddyis around 218 LMT in the Central Pool upto 20.02.2023. Adequate rice stock is currently available in the Central Pool for meeting the requirements of the country.
For Kharif crop of current KMS 2022-23, a quantity of 765.43 LMT Paddy  has been estimated to be procured as against 749 LMT Paddy  actually procured during last KMS 2021-22 .
The estimated procurement of Paddy for Rabi crop of KMS 2022-23 is going to be finalized in the forthcoming Food Secretaries’ meeting to be held on 01.03.2023. With the inclusion of Rabi crop, it is expected that around 900 LMT paddy may be procured during the entire KMS 2022-23.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal meets Italy's Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mr. Antonio Tajani
Ministers exchange views on India-Italy trade & economic partnership
Ministers express happiness over elevation of bilateral relations to Strategic Partnership
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution and Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal met the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Foreign Office, Government of Italy, H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani yesterday to review the entire gamut of bilateral trade and economic relations. Shri Goyal arrived in Rome yesterday for his two-day visit to Italy.
The Ministers exchanged views on how the India-Italy trade & economic partnership can be leveraged for growth across diverse sectors. During the meeting, both Ministers expressed happiness over elevation of the bilateral relations to the level of Strategic Partnership following the recent state visit of the Prime Minister of Italy, Ms. Giorgia Meloni to India. Mr. Tajani suggested the formation of a Joint Working Group in the strategic areas such as space, technology, defence, agriculture, etc. to follow up on the important developments under these areas.
Both Ministers further expressed satisfaction at the high growth in bilateral trade between India and Italy, which has reached around US$ 16 Billion in 2022 and resolved to expand it further. Shri Goyal briefed Mr. Tajani on the progress made on India-EU FTA negotiation. The Ministers underlined the importance of achieving a free, balanced and fair Free Trade Agreement and hoped that it would be concluded soon. They also agreed to the convening of the next session of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation  in Rome in the last week of September 2023.
Mr. Tajani suggested strengthening the Parliamentary friendship group diplomacy between the Parliaments of the two countries and exploring scope for having a cyber dialogue. Shri Goyal briefed Mr. Tajani about India’s G-20 priorities and extended an invitation to him for the G20 Trade Ministers Meeting in India in August 2023. Mr. Tajani assured of his full support to make India’s G20 Presidency successful.
Shri Goyal emphasized on enhancing the bilateral cooperation in the field of clean energy to achieve sustainability to mitigate the negative impact of climate change. He stated that developed countries make the low cost climate financing and technology available to the developing countries to deal with the climate change issue effectively.
Mr. Tajani gave the guided tour to Shri Goyal of the art gallery of Farnesina, the office of Foreign Ministry, Government of Italy.